NOVATO UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Course Syllabus
English 10 CP
Mrs. Wright, Instructor
[email protected]
http://room2401.weebly.com
On a personal note
Hello! Welcome to English 10 College Prep. My name is Mrs. Wright and I will be your teacher
for this course. Please refer to this extended syllabus if you ever have questions about the
course. Additionally, please know that I am more than happy to talk with you personally, so use
any of the listed contact information to be in touch with me outside of the classroom. I will
respond to you as promptly as I can.
Course Content
The curriculum is based on the California Common Core State Standards for ELA 10. For
access to the full text of the standards, go to www.nusd.org.
English 10 is an introductory course that lays a foundation of skills that students will need
throughout high school. It is a literature-based course with an emphasis on critical reading and
composition skills. These skills include: literary analysis and close reading, writing expository
essays, creative writing, timed writing, grammar and usage, vocabulary, discussion group skills,
and dramatic interpretation. Students are exposed to a variety of classical and contemporary
genres: novels, short stories, plays, poetry and non-fiction.
Analyzing nonfiction pieces will also be stressed this year. It is crucial you learn how to
paraphrase, synthesize (combine ideas from different sources), organize, and appropriately cite
nonfiction texts.
Materials Needed
Each student is expected to show up to class and be ready to work. Coming to class with the
proper materials is the first step to being a better student. Please bring the following to class
each day: a well-organized binder to store returned assignments and a notebook with lined
paper for journal writing and note-taking. Other supplies that are instrumental to being
successful in an English classroom are: highlighters, post-its, and different colored pens and
pencils.
Outside Reading Book
Each quarter students will be asked to pick an outside reading book that follows along the
theme and other works that we will be studying as a class. They will be given a list of books to
choose from and must be responsible for bringing that book to school to read during silent
reading every Monday and Thursday. Students will be asked to complete a book report (or
possibly an alternative assignment) for their chosen text. If a student does not have his book for
our reading times, he or she will be asked to complete a short writing assignment while the

class silently reads. This assignment will require the student to either purchase their chosen
book, rent it from a library, or find an online version (sometimes they are even free!). Students
will be given apt time to choose their book before it is required in class.
Classroom Policies
Be on time, prepared and in your designated seat when the bell rings. Depending on the
day of the week, you need to have either your SSR book or notebook open and ready
when the bell rings.
Raise your hand and wait to be called on before talking.
Listen attentively to both directions and others.
Respect the classroom, others and yourself.
You will wait for the teacher to dismiss you when the bell rings.
No candy, drinks (with the exception of water), food or gum is allowed.
Electronics are NOT allowed in class unless approved by the teacher for a special
assignment. This is a SCHOOL-WIDE POLICY and students will be expected to follow it.

Absences:
It is the students responsibility to contact the teacher and retrieve any absent work
before or after school. All absent work, tests or quizzes must be submitted or taken
within three days, after which the grade becomes a zero. I will not accept late work for
unexcused absences.

Course Overview
Fall Semester
Novels/Units will include: Writing Boot-Camp, poetry, All Quiet on the Western Front, The
Samurai Garden, and selected articles.
Emphasis: reading comprehension; analysis of various poem formats as well as literary devices
found in poetry (similes, metaphors,allusion,imagery,alliteration,onomatopoeia,etc) use of
technology to produce, publish, and update individual or shared writing projects
Spring Semester
Novels/Units will include: Sophomore Speech, The Kite Runner, and Macbeth.
Emphasis: Focus on research to build and present knowledge (Speaking and Listening
Common Core State Standards for Grade 10); draw evidence to support analysis, reflection and
research; expository essays with a continued focus on quote integration and analysis

Grading
Progress Reporting
Grades shall be reported at the end of each progress reporting period for all students. Progress
reports will be mailed home and/or accessible to parents online approximately every five/six
weeks. Whenever a student falls below a C- after the second Progress Report for either semester,
the teacher shall arrange a conference with the students parent/guardian and/or send a written
report. (Board Policy 5121)
Grade Breakdown:
First Semester
Reading
Writing
Collaboration/Listening
Speaking
Language
Final

Second Semester
30%
30%
10%
10%
20%

Reading
Writing
Research Based
Reading & Writing
Cumulative Project
Language
Final

20%
20%

20%
20%
20%

*I will accept late essays and projects for up to one day after the due date, although one full
grade will be deducted unless there is approved excuse or approved absence.
*The Grading Scale is as follows:
95-100 A
94-90 A87-89 B+
84-86 B
80-83 B77-79 C+
74-76 C
70-73 C67-69 D+
64-66 D
60-63 D-

*I will absolutely not tolerate cheating or plagiarism. If you are caught cheating you will receive
no credit for that assignment and a meeting with the Principal will be scheduled to discuss
further actions.

Homework
You can expect nightly homework assignments and reading. Generally speaking, you will be
required to read 15-25 pages on a nightly basis as well as annotate the answer and answer study
questions as required. (I do check homework and annotations regularly!) Typically vocabulary
activities will also be assigned for homework as well. Ultimately, your nightly preparation will
guarantee your success on quizzes and allow you to participate in class discussion. You will have
more than one day to complete drafts, essays and projects.
Extra Credit
The teacher is under no obligation to offer extra credit assignments. They are not a substitute
for regular assignments and activities. However, from time to time, students may be offered
extra credit opportunities.
Classroom Tardiness
Do not be late; to do so is irresponsible. When the bell rings, be in your seat, ready to write on
the journal topic or silently read. Dont be in the process of sharpening your pencil, borrowing
paper, or socializing. If you are not ready at the bell you will lose credit from your participation
grade. Novato High School policy will be followed in regard to consequences for tardiness.
Questions
I am here to help you! If you have any questions about assignments or would like help with
anything we are studying, come see me. I will be available at lunch and by appointment after
school. Dont wait until the last minute if you have a problem- I am confident that we can work
together. My email is [email protected].
Sincerely,
Mrs. Wright

In order for me to know that you have read this information and have shared it with those
responsible for you, please complete and return this page to me, and keep the others for your
reference.
THIS SHEET DUE - for points - by Friday, August 21, 2015
Information:
Your name: _________________________________________________ Period ___________
Address: ____________________________________________________ Zip _____________
Parent or Guardians name: _____________________________________________________
At what phone number can s/he be reached? (_____) _________________________

What

time? __________________
Alternate number: (_____) ___________________________ What time? _________________
Students e-mail address:
__________________________________________________________
Parent/ Guardians e-mail address:
___________________________________________________________

Please sign the following:

Parent/Guardian: _________________________________________________ Date: ________